'This is the dream for me:' Nine Wichitans begin detention deputy career
Dec 19, 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Sedgwick County Jail is adding new detention deputies. Staffing the jail has been challenging for years, but recruiting is improving.
Sheriff Jeff Easter says it's due to recent changes to address the shortage, which attracted Katilyn Taylor. They joined eight other grads tonight, ready to begin a career as a Sedgwick County detention deputy.
Born and raised in Wichita, Taylor always knew she wanted to work in corrections.
"I started WSU by getting my bachelor's in criminal justice, so this is the dream for me," said Taylor.
Nine graduates took an oath Thursday evening after seven weeks of intensive basic academy training.
"It's a little rough, a lot of physical, a lot of mental. It definitely gets us to where we need to be, and ready and prepared to go into the jail," said Taylor.
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Sheriff Easter said staffing at the jail is improving. He attributes the recent success to an increase in pay.
"What is important about why I think we're seeing an increase in applications and hirings is the county mission has been very gracious with granting raises, which has helped us with our pay, Sheriff Easter.
According to Easter, the robust health and wellness unit has helped retention.
Marking Taylor's career as a detention deputy.
"It's very empowering. I've had a lot of great instructors, a lot of great people that I've met, a lot of great people that I get to work with once I get done with all this and graduate. So I'm really excited about that," she said.
Now that graduation is over. The recruits will begin six weeks of field training alongside veteran deputies in the detention facility.